The Anti-Goonda Bill, 2026:
President has returned the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 for reconsideration over its potential overlap with Central preventive-detention legislation.
The Anti-Goonda Bill, 2026:
- A preventive-detention Bill passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on June 29, 2026, to address habitual offenders and activities threatening public order. It provides for detention without trial and restrictions on entry into specified areas.
- Aim to prevent habitual criminal activity, maintain public order and protect citizens from violence, intimidation, unlawful dispossession and other anti-social activities.
Key Features:
- Preventive Detention: Permits detention of individuals classified as goondas for up to 12 months without trial to prevent activities threatening public order.
- Externment Provisions: Allows authorities to prohibit individuals from entering specified areas or districts for up to one year.
- Broad Definition of Anti-Social Activities: Covers habitual offences, public intimidation, unlawful dispossession, illegal mining and activities endangering life or property.
- Search andEnforcement Powers: Authorises search and seizure, penalises harbouring detained or externed persons and makes offences cognizable and non-bailable.
- Protection for Officials: Grants legal immunity to officials for actions undertaken in good faith while implementing the proposed legislation.
